Basket-ball backstop



July 25, 1933. F. ALBACH BASKET BALL BACKSTOP 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 1, 1931 //vu/v70/? Frank 6 /5456.

Anwe/vm July 25, 1933. F ALBACH 1,919,494

BASKET BALL BACKSTOP Filed June 1, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 25, I F. ALBACH BASKET BALL BACKSTOP Filed June 1, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 25, 1933. F. ALBACH BASKET BALL BACKSTOP Filed June 1, 1951 4 heets-Sheet 4 Patented July 25, 1933 FATE NT caries --9 FRANK .ALBACH, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSUURI, ASS 1G1? OR TO FEED'MEDART MANUFACTUR- ING COMPANY, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, A CORPQRATION OF MISSOURI BASKET-BALL nacxsror Application filed June 1, 1931. 7 Serial no. 541,346.

supporting the hack-stop in playing posi' tion, the frame being, however, readily foldal le. or swingable for withdrawing the backstop from pla ing position to elevated or retracted position for thereby releasing the basket-ball playing field for other purposes.

And with the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel features of form. construction, arrangement, and combination of parts hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

la the accompanying drawings,-

Figure l is a side elevational View of one form of basket-ball back-stop embodying my invention, the apparatus being shown in full lines in lowered playing position and in dotdash lines in retracted or swung-up, nonplaying position, the main frame being fragmentallyshown and the near rail thereof broke away at the center for illustrating the back-board-frainc-hanger;

Figure is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the apparatus, illustrating the means for latching the back-board frame in playing position;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary approximately half rear view of the apparatus;

Figure is an enlarged rear view, partly in section. of the parts shown in Figure 2;

Figure is a detail view. partly in section, of one of the back-board frame hangers;

Figure 6 a side elevational View of another form of basket-ball back-stop embodying my invention the apparatus being shown in lowered playing position;

Figure partly in section, of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 6, illustrating the means for latching the back-board frame thereof in playing position. s

Figure 8 is a fragmentary approximately half rear view of the apparatus of Figure 6;

r is an enlarged detail broken view,

Figure 9 is anenlarged rear View, partly in section, of theparts shown of Figure 8 Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmental broken view, partly in section, ofthe latch releasing incchanism;and I v Figure "11 is a transverse sectional View approximately on the line '11 -1'l, Figure-10.

Referring now more in detail and by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate practical embodiments of my invention, I may first state, briefly, that the backstop A or A comprises, as is customary in apparatus of the present general type, a substantially rectangular board 1 for presenting, when loweredand in playing-position, a plane surface toward the playing-field and preferably having on itsrear side suitable reinforcing side rails 2, end rails 3, and stiffening members 4, as best seen in Figure 3. Fixed to, and projecting forwardly from the front face of, the backboard 1 is the usual basket-ring 5 with its supported basket} net 6.

My present invention is directed to apparatus for supporting the back-stop A or A, such apparatus including either a swingable frame B or B carrying the back-stop A or A and a co-operable back-brace C or. C" for rigidly supporting the frame B or B with the backstop A or A in proper playing posi tion. r V 4 Either form of such apparatus is preferably suspended from an elevated supporter main frame, which may be a part of a building structure, part of an outdoor framework, or the like, suitably adapted for use With my invention, as may best serve the purpose at hand. Preferably, however, such support includes a pair of spaced parallel substantially horizontal preferably tubular longitudinal rails or pipes D, which may, as has been stated, he supported conveniently in any one of several ways according to the circum stances peculiar to the locality of use and, hence, not deemed necessary of more complete description here.

Referring now to the form of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, botlrinclusive, disposed in suitably spacedrelation, and rigidly supported, as by suitable saddles 7 and co-operating clamping-caps 8, along the rails D, is a plurality, preferably three, transverse or cross beams or pipe-bars 9, 10, and 11; and suitably secured, as by respective caps 12, m

spaced relation on the middle cross-bar intermediate the rails D, is a pair of suitable hangers 12, each including a depending bifurcated extension 13 supporting a transverse pin 14, on which is pivoted for swingable movement an eye 15 provided with a pair of spaced depending plates 16. Having their respective upper ends disposed bet men, and as by suitable fastening elements or bolts 17 fixed to, the respective pairs of depending I plates 16, is a pair of suspended correspondingly transversely spaced Lbeams 18, which form part of the back-stop frame B. The beams 18 at their opposed flanges are pa allel with, and operatively disposed to the rear of,.the board 1, and suitably clamped on the beam front flanges 20 and having ears 21 fixed by fastening elements 22 to board 1, are brackets 19 for securing the'beams 18 to the board 1. Connecting the rear flanges 23.

'of retaining members 26 clampingly engaged with the sides of the respective flanges 23' and fixed to the body of the bracket 25 by means of fastening elements or bolts 27 passed through the keeper-body.

Journaled for oscillatory movement in and through the webs of the respective-keepers 25, and ext-ending transversely between, and to the rear of, the I-beams 18. is a shaft 28. Having their respective hubs 29 pinned, as at 30, to, and disposed adjacent the opposite ends of, the shaft 23, are latch-operative arms 31 for impinging, on oscillatory or rotatory movement of the shaft 28, respective pins 32 projecting laterally from latch-bolts 33' slidably disposed in ways 3st extending obliquely outwardly and downwardly in the respective brackets Each way in one wall thereof is provided with a slot, as at 36, in which the respective pin 32 may reciprocate or work, and disposed between the upper closed end of the way 34 and the inner end of the bolt 33, is a tensional member or coiled spring for normally yieldingly urging or biasing-the bolt 33 outwardly of the way until stopped by the impingement of the pin 32 with the lower end wall of the slot 36, as best seen in Figure 2.

Provided upon the rear face of each re-v spective bracket 25 with its upper wall taneis roe latch-bolt is formed at its outer end with a cam-face adapted for engagement by the bar 38 for automatically latching the same in the notches 37.

The leg-members 39 of the frame C are disposed in spaced pair parallel relation and are preferably in the form of tubular pipe struts, each provided at its lower end with an eyefitting all engaging reduced end sections 42 of the bar 38. At their respective upper ends, the back-legs 39 are each provided with an eye-fitting 1:3 pivotally engaging a pin il supported inthe bifurcated depending portion of a bracket saddled for engaging the rear transverse frame member 9, a cap 46 being bolted to the bracket for clamping the same to the pipe 8, as )BSl} seen in Figure 3, and it, may be stated :l a the frame bar 8 is adj ustably shiftably 'oc ed on the longitudinal frame members in such manner that the back-stop A will be vertically disposed when the back brace bar 33 is latched in the keepernotches 3? of the. back-stop frame B. 7

Having their respective lower ends pivotally mounted on the reduced end sections -12 of the bar 38 and disposed between the shoulders thereof and the eye-fittings ll, is a pair of links 47 whose respective upper ends are pivotally connected, as at 19, to bifurcated I-beam clamps 48 adjustably mounted on the rear flanges 23 of the I-beams 18 a suitable distance above the brackets 25, the links 47 thus permanently connecting the swingable ends of the frames B and C for supporting the lower end of the frame C when the backstop frame B is raised or swung to retracted. or elevated position and also for guiding the frame C properly for latching co-operation of the bar 33 with the keeper-notches 37 when the back-stop frame B is lowered to playing position, all as presently appearing.

It will be obvious, however, that the backstop frame B may not be swung to elevated position until the bar 38 is unlatched from the brackets 25. For such purpose, on the cross-shaft 28 intermediate the brackets 25 is pinned or mounted a crank or arm 50, which, under the co-action of the biased pins 32 and the latch-arms 31 on corresponding rotatory movement of the shaft 28, is normally, as when the back-stop A is in playing position, obliquely rearwardly disposed, as best seen in Figure 2. At its free end, the arm 50 is provided with an eye 51 for receiving the bight of a pull-rope or cable 52 trained over lower end thereof, and attached to the eyebolts 57 are suitable guy-cables 5S oppositely extending obliquely upwardly and outwardly to respective eye-clamp fixtures 59 mounted on the suitably extended ends of the middle cross-frame member 10. By suitably shifting the eye-bolts 57 on the frame member 10, the cables 58 may be adjusted so as to become taut as the backboard frame B is lowered to playing position, as best seen in Figure 3.

In use, when it is desired to raise or swing the back-stop A to elevated non-playing position, an initial pull on the cable 52 exerts a turning movement on. the shaft 28, whereby the bolts 33 are withdrawn for unl'atching the bar 38 from the brackets 25, thereby releasin the frame B for upward swinging actuation, accomplished by further pull on the cable 52, which pull is continued until the back-stop A is drawn to its elevated position, the several parts then taking the respective positions shown by dot-dash lines in Figure 1. On releasing the cable 52, the frame l3 and back-stop A may be readily lowered to playing position, the brace-frame C automatically latching itself in bracing position, as described.

I might add that the pivotalpoint of the brace frame 0 is at a lower elevation than the pivotal point of the backboard frame B;

- hence. if the pulley 55 be sui'iiciently eievated, the frames B, C, may readily be so folded as to cause the baclele s .39 to 'lie substantially flatwise against the I-beams 18, the entire apparatus then being substantially non-obstructive to any game played thereunder.

Referring now to the preferred form of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 6 to 11,

both inclusive, suitably secured in spaced relation on the middle cross-bar 10 intermediate the rails D, is a pair of suitable hangers 12, to which are pivoted, as at 15, for swingable movement preferably arcuate links 16, to which, in turn, are suitably fixed a pair of suspended correspondingly transversely spaced pipe-bars 18' forming part of the back-stop frame B and whose respec tive lower ends are secured, as by means of brackets 19, to the board A.

Fixed on the pipe-bars 18 slightly above through the otherwise the plane of the upper margin of the board A, as best seen in Figure 8, are split clamps or the like 60, and projecting inwardly in opposed relation from the clamps 60, are pipe-sections 61. Having its'opposite ends seated in, and, as by cross-pins 62, fixed to, the pipe-sections G1, is a crossbar ortube 63, sleeved upon which for rotatory movement is a tubular member or bar 691-. Formed in the bar Gel adjacent its opposite ends, are

registering circumferential slots 65, fitting in which. for limiting the rotatory movement of the sleeve-bar (ii, are lugs orrfingers 66 projecting radially from the supporting pipesections 61.

Suitably clamped or secured upon the rear face, and adjacent the lower margin, of the board A in transverse re istration is a iair of kee er-orackets and slidable in ways 3st extending outwardly and dmvnwardly i the respective brackets 25, are latch-bolts 3;. Each way 3% is provided in a wall thereofwith' a slot, as at 36, in which lateral pins 32 on the bolts may reciprocate or work for limiti g the slidable movement of the bolts 33. Each bolt 33 is pro vided, for purposes presently appearing, with an extension 67 projecting outwardly closed upper end of the way an, and disposed between the upper closed end of the way 34 and the inner end of the bolt 33, is a tensional member or coiled. spring 35 for normally yieldingly urging or biasin the bolt 33" outwardly of the way 34; until stopped by engagement of the pin 32 with the lower end wall of the slot 36, as bestseen in Figure 7.

Provided on the rear face of the respective Y hence, to avoid repetition further detail description thereof is omitted.

It will again be obvious, however, that the back-stop frame B may not be swung to raised or elevated position until the bar 38 is unlatched from the brackets 25. F or such purpose, on the cross-shaft or sleeve 6 -1 intermediate the ends thereof is pinned or other wise fixed a crank or ari'n which normal ly, as when the back-stop is in ilaying position, is rearwardly disposed, as best seen in Figure 7., Atits free end, the arm 50 is provided with aneye 51 for receiving the bight of a pull-rope or cable 52 trained over a swivel-pulley 55 suspended from a clamp 56 l attached to the front cross-frame-member 11, and from the swivel-pulley the cable 52 may, for manual manipulation thereof, lead to any conveniently accessible locality for ready gripping engagement. And attached at one end to respective eyes 68 on the boltextensions 67 and at its other end, best seen in Figures 7 and 8, suitably fixed to, and adj acent the opposite ends of, the rotary crosssleeve (i l, are connecting cables or other flexible members 69.

Hence, in use, when it is desired to raise or swing the back-stop A to elevated, non -play ing position, an initial pull on the cable exerts a turning movement on the sleeve in,

whereby, in turn, the cables 69 wound on the sleeve 6% and the bolts 33 thereby withdrawn for unlatching the bar 38 from the brackets 25 and releasing the'franie Ii for upward swinging actuation, accomplished by further pull on the cable 52, which pull is continued until similarly the back-stop A is drawn to its elevated or non-playing position. On releasing the cable 52, the frame B and back-stop A may be lowered to playing position, the brace-frame G in like manner automatically latching itself in bracing position, as previously d scribed in connection with the brace-frame C.

It will be understood that other cha= and moi'lilications in the form, con 'ructioi arrangement, and combination of the several parts of the apparatus may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and prin ciple of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a basket-ball back stop, a back-stop frame, av swingable brace-frame, and means for detachably connectin the brace-frame to the back-stop frame in playing posi ion, said means including a shaft on the brace-frame for engagement with the back-stop frame, and a bolt shiftable on the back-stop frame for engagement with the shaft.

2. In a basket-ball backstop, a back-stop frame, a swingable brace-frame, and means for detachably connecting the brace-frame to the back-stop frame in playing position, said means including brackets on the back-stop frame having shaft-seats, a shaft on the brace-frame for seating in said seats, and bolts shiftable on the brackets for retaining engagement with the seated shaft.

3. In a basket-ball back-stop, a back-stop frame, a swing-able brace-frame, and means for detachably connecting the brace-frame to the back-stop frame in playing position, said means including brackets on the back-stopframe, said brackets having bolt-ways and shaft-seats tangent to the outer end of said.

Jays, a shaft on the brace-frame for seating I in said seats, and bolts yieldingly shift-able in said ways for retaining engagement withthe latching the frames together in playing-position, and means for actuating the belt for unlatching the frames for SWlIlgiLblG movement thereof to non-playingposition, said last means including a rotary shaft on the backstop-frame, a flexible member having connection with the shaft and the bolt, and a pull-cord for rotarily actuating the shaft.

5. In a foldable basket-ball back-stop, a. swingable back-stop-frame, a swingabie brace-frame adapted for latchable engagement with the back-stop frame when in playing position, and linkage means permanently connecting said frames pivot-ally together.

6. In a foldable basket-ball back-stop, in combination with a support, a backstop f nne pivoted to the support, a brace-fran'ie pivoted to the support in spaced relation to the first frame, and linkage hingedly connecting swingable ends of said frames.

7. In a fold-able basket-ball back-stop, in

"combination with a support, a back-stop frame pivoted to the support, a brace-frame pivoted to the support in spaced relation to the at frame, and linkage hingedly connecting swingable ends of said frames, the pivotal point of the back-stop frame being more elevated than the pivotal point of the brace-fame for flatwise disposition of the latter beneath the former when in non-playing position.

8. Ina vfoldable basket-ball back-stop, in combination with a support, a back-stop frame pivoted to th support, a brace-frame pivoted to the support in spaced relation to the lirs frainc, linkage hingedly connecting swingable ends of said frames, and a flexible-member having connection with the support and the back-step frame for swingably elevating the frames to non-playing position.

9. In a basket-ball back-stop, a swingable back-stop frame, a swingable brace-frame comprising transversely spaced parallel struts and a tra isverse bar connecting swingable ends of said struts, means including keeper-brackets on said back-stop frame for co-operation with said bar for latching the frames together in playing position, and

.links pivotally connecting the frames for joint swingable movement and for guiding the brace-fame into latching engagement with the keeper-brackets.

10. In a basket-ball back-stop, a support, a back-stop frame swingably connected to, and normally depending in playing position from, the support, a brace-frame pivotally connected to the support in spaced relation to the first frame, means including a link pivot-ally connecting said frames permanently together for conjoint sivingable move ment, and means for separably attaching the second frame at its free end to the first frame when in normal position for securing said frames against swingable movement and the second frame in rigid bracing engagement with the first frame.

11. In a basket-ball back-stop, a support, a back-stop frame swingably connectedto, and normally depending in playing position from, the support, a brace-frame pivotally connected to the support in spaced relation to the first frame, means including a link pivotally connecting said frames permanently together for conjoint swingable movement, and means including a slidable bolt for separably attaching'the second frame at its free end to the first frame when in normal position for securing said frames against sWingabl-e movement and the second frame in ri 'id bra-cin en a ement with the first 7 C) f) 23 D frame.

12.111 a basket-ball backstop, a support, a back-stop frame swingably connected to, and normally depending in playing position from, the support, a brace-frame pivotally connected to the support in spaced relation first frame, and manipulative means including a pull-cable having connection With the bolt for frame-releasing actuation thereof for permitting sWingable movement of the frames. v p

13. In a basket-ball baclostop, a support, a back-stop frame swingably connected to, and normally depending in playing position from, the support, a brace-frame comprising hingedly connect-ed first and second members pivotally connected at its first member to the support in spaced relation to the first frame and permanently connected at its second member with the first frame for conjoint swingable movement with the first frame to non-playing position, and means for detachably securing the second frame also'at its first member to the first frame for rigidly bracing the first frame in playing position.

14. Ina basket-ball back-stop, a support, a back-stop frame swingably connected to, and normally depending in playing position from, the support, a brace-frame comprising hingedly connected first and second members pivotally connected at its first member to the support in spaced relation to the first frame and permanently connected at its seeend member with the first frame for conj oint swingable movement with the first frame to non-playing position, means including a slidable latch-bolt for detachably securing the second frame also at its first member to the I first frame for rigidly bracing the first frame FRANK ALBAGH. 

